Zambian driver jailed two years with hard labour for aiding illegal immigrants

The Chinsali Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced Jehoshia Suwilanji Mulambia, 25, of Barlastone, Lusaka, to two years imprisonment with hard labour for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.

This follows the apprehension of 16 Ethiopian nationals by Immigration officers at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Toll Plaza in Chinsali District on April, 20, 2026.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Department of Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said the action by Mulambia was contrary to the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia.

Nshinka said the prohibited immigrants were found after a Toyota Quantum bus registration number CAL 4578 ZM was abandoned by its occupants.

Investigations revealed that Mulambia, together with other accomplices, facilitated the transportation of 29 Ethiopian nationals from Nakonde towards Lusaka using a silver Hiace bus.

“Along the journey, 10 of the migrants were transferred into a black Pajero Shogun registration number BBA 4889, while the remaining 19 continued in the Hiace,” he said.

Court heard that after a road traffic accident involving the Hiace in the Sansamwenje area of Isoka District, Mulambia hired the Toyota Quantum bus from Lusaka to continue transporting the remaining immigrants.

Immigration officers in Isoka detected the vehicle and pursued it to Chinsali, where the suspects abandoned both the bus and the prohibited immigrants before fleeing.

Subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of Mulambia and two others with whom he was jointly charged with aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.

The two co-accused were later acquitted by the Court, leaving Mulambia as the only one convicted and sentenced.

“The Department of Immigration has welcomed the conviction and sentence, stating that it underscores the serious legal consequences awaiting individuals who facilitate illegal immigration,” Nshinka said.

He also urged members of the public to refrain from participating in or facilitating illegal immigration and to report suspected cases to the nearest Immigration Office or other law enforcement agencies.

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